Three days in june, p.3
Three Days in June, page 3
4 Platoon will be the most northerly platoon, advancing and clearing the low ground to north of Mount Longdon as far as Full Back.
5 Platoon will move centrally, advancing and clearing the northern side of the main ridge as far as Full Back.
6 Platoon will be the most southerly platoon, advancing directly up the western slope, where they will capture and clear Fly Half, then advance and clear and hold Full Back.
C Company
On reaching the Battalion Start Line at grid 314764, they will wait until A Company is in position on Wing Forward, then they will move to a reserve position at grid 330760, just north of A Company. Here the company will be positioned in such a way that it is out of contact, but will remain close enough to be able to react in support of the Battalion Command’s plans or contingencies. In the event of the capture of Mount Longdon, they will advance east with A Company and capture Wireless Ridge (north), codenamed Rum Punch.
D Company
During the campaign D Company are the eyes and ears of the battalion, moving ahead of the battalion during the advance across East Falklands. Once the battalion establish its Headquarters at Estancia they will provide all the battalions’ information about enemy forces on and about Mount Longdon through extensive close-target reconnaissance. On the night of 11 June 1982 the company will provide guides for the rifle companies and secure the crossing point. If not tasked to accompany the rifle companies, they will be out in OPs or preparing for the following day’s reconnaissance tasks.
Support Company
Support Company will be split into two groups. The first group will provide a firebase for B Company; Major Dennison will be positioned at grid 310753, codenamed Free Kick. In this location are three SF (sustained-fire) machine guns and three Milan posts. Also at this location is the primary RAP team with eighteen ammunition-bearers/stretcher-bearers. Positioned north of the main firebase is Captain Mason at grid 320760. He has two SF machine-gun detachments and one Milan post. Positioned south of the main firebase is Sgt Colbeck at grid 310749. He has one SF machine-gun detachment and one Milan post. Support Company will remain flexible and provide fire support where and when required.
The second part of the Support Company group will move as a vehicle convoy and consist of four Volvo BVs (BV202E also known as Snowcats), six tractors and trailers, one tractor with a box, a crawler tractor and sledge, along with nine civilian Land Rovers. This group will bring the mortar ammunition, Milan and GPMG ammunition. However, the vehicle convoy will not be allowed to cross the Murrell Bridge until 45 Commando have crossed their Start Line as, until then, they have priority over the only passable track leading to Mount Longdon from the Murrell Bridge. Also in the vehicle convoy are the secondary RAP team with a doctor, two medics and medical supplies, the Blowpipe Section and 2 Troop 9 Squadron RE. Once the ammunition and supplies are delivered, the Volvo BVs will evacuate any wounded to a medical reception centre set up at Estancia House (codenamed Starlight 2).
HQ Company
The company will provide logistical support, establishing a supply chain. A large number of HQ Company will be attached to the rifle companies to replace personnel suffering from various conditions such as trench foot and exposure.
Mount Longdon Western Slope
1 As 4 Platoon advance through the minefield, Cpl Brian Milne stands on an anti-personnel mine here.
2 4 Platoon face incoming fire and make their way to the rock line on the north-west corner for the nearest cover.
3 After 4 Platoon have linked up with 5 Platoon (B) they begin to slowly push east. On reaching this area Lt Andrew Bickerdike is shot.
4 6 Platoon go firm.
KEY
Argentinian Heavy Machine Gun Positions
British Aid Posts
Mount Longdon Eastern Slope
5 Cpl Stewart McLaughlin forms a machine-gun line along the line of rocks to support Sgt Ian McKay.
6 From here Sgt Ian McKay leads his impromptu group to attack HMG (heavy machine gun) No 3.
7 The location of Argentine 3 Platoon, the local defence for the HMG situated above.
Mount Longdon Western Approach
This view shows the approach that 4, 5 and 6 Platoon take up the western side of Mount Longdon. When the mine explosion occurs, 5 Platoon rush forward, and in the darkness and confusion they form two separate groups at the rocks which divide routes 2 and 3.
4 Platoon turn from their intended path towards the rock line on the north-west corner, then make their way across route 1 and link up with 5 Platoon (B) on route 2.
NOTES FOR THE READER
The time zone used by British Forces throughout the Falklands campaign was Zulu Time. This was Greenwich Mean Time, which is now known as UT (Universal Time); it was four hours ahead of local time in the Falkland Islands. This was done to avoid any confusion between the Task Force and London. This would mean that during the Falklands winter of 1982, sunrise for British Forces was at approximately 10.00hrs Zulu time (zt), which equates to 6.00am local time (lt). Sunset for British Forces was at approximately 20.00hrs Zulu time (zt), which equates to 4.00pm local time (lt).
The Falklands Islands have completely different weather seasons from Great Britain. The main characteristic of the weather is that from being mild and pleasant it can change very rapidly to become cold and severe. Generally, winter begins in earnest in June and lasts until mid-October. It is extremely cold, and regularly falls below freezing. Snow and sub-zero temperatures are experienced to varying degrees, but the most distinguishing climatic factor is the wind. Temperature changes due to wind-chill can occur quickly and catch out those who are ill-prepared or ill-equipped; a gloriously sunny day can rapidly become a sub-zero blizzard.
All radio transmissions are transcribed as they were written by the various units involved. 3 PARA radio log was written at Estancia House.
All text in square brackets during speech are author comments.
A glossary of military terms used throughout the book can be found here.
THE BUILD-UP
‘If any of you are religious, this is the time to sit down and have a word with the man upstairs.’
FRIDAY 11 JUNE 1982
6 Platoon’s role in the plan is to assault up the western slope of Mount Longdon and capture Fly Half and Full Back. However, in order to reach the objective, they must first cross a minefield that had been identified by D Company 3 PARA and 9 Squadron RE; this is approximately 500 metres in length from grid 322752 to grid 319749 running north to south. The CO stated during the Company Commanders’ ‘O’ Group that, ‘Once in the minefield the impetus must be maintained.’ Once they have crossed the open ground, they will begin to advance up the western slope, a rocky steep-sided feature with large amounts of loose broken rock.
Situated at the top on Fly Half is the command post of Lt Baldini’s 1 Platoon. The western slope measures approximately 300 metres from its base up to Fly Half. At the widest point, it is 80 metres wide. At this end of Mount Longdon, Infantry Marine Officer Lt Sergio Dachary has placed three .50 calibre heavy machine guns under the command of Cpl Carlos Colemil. One of the guns, ‘Gun number 5’, is located on Fly Half to cover the air threat from the west. The second, ‘Gun number 4’, is situated approximately 200 metres up from the base on the northern edge of the western slope. This gun covers to the north and north-west, providing anti-aircraft defence from aircraft attempting to fly through the Furze Bush Pass.
The third, ‘Gun number 6’, is located in 3 Platoon’s area on the south-west corner of the mountain and completely out of sight from the western slope. This gun covers the south-west corner and provides air defence from any aircraft attempting to fly through the Moody Brook Valley. This platoon is not engaged at any time during the battle. Among the various bunkers on the western slope are 81mm mortar positions and the bunker of 25-year-old Lt Alberto Ramos, who is acting as Forward Observer Officer for 7th Mechanized Infantry Regiment (7 RI Mech). He has the vital role of directing the Argentine artillery.
At just after last light on Friday 11 June 1982, 3 PARA begins moving out from an assembly area codenamed ‘Apple Flake’ at grid 265767. The order of march is A Company, Battalion Tactical Headquarters, B Company, Support Company and finally C Company. The vehicle convoy will move to a holding area and wait until called forward. The approach march is a seven-kilometre night march with a river crossing. Once across the river the companies will all head for the Battalion Start Line at grid 314764, where a stream running north to south (the Furze Bush stream) will indicate the Start Line.
Major Mike Argue, 35 yrs – Officer Commanding B Company
The battalion plan had been modified in the light of intelligence, so that we would now attack two companies up and one in reserve. 2 PARA had been brought forward as Brigade reserve. A Company would be positioned on the left and B Company to the right, which would include the main feature of Longdon itself. My orders were to capture Mount Longdon and depending on resistance to exploit as far eastward as possible. Patrol Company NCOs and a local farmer would guide us through the difficult approach to the objective; thereafter it was up to the platoons. We knew that the southern slopes were mined and deliberately avoided that route.
I briefed the whole company together, before they got their detailed orders from Platoon Commanders. This was probably unwise in view of the artillery threat, but I wanted them to really understand what the attack would mean. First of all, mines which may have been strewn about the objective; secondly, the depth of the enemy position we were up against; thirdly, the artillery and mortars the enemy could call upon to bombard us with once we had moved within range, and finally the remoteness of the position from immediate medical assistance for casualties.
An hour before last light, supporting elements from echelon began to close on our position, also locally requisitioned tractors and trailers which would be used for evacuation to safe landing sites. The company shook out into formation and there was just time for a last smoke and check of equipment. We had done this many times in assembly areas on live firing exercises in places as far apart as Canada, Oman and Salisbury Plain. But this time, not everything was the same, as we knew that the targets were capable of shooting back. [Taken from a personal account written by Major Argue]
After Major Argue has spoken to B Company, CSM John Weeks also speaks to the men, trying to encourage and motivate but also explain the grim reality of what lies ahead.
CSM John Weeks, 35 yrs – Company Sergeant Major, B Company
I went up and down the line speaking to the lads, trying to reassure them: ‘Listen in, you lot; this is it. It’s going to be harder than you lot can imagine, tough hand-to-hand fighting; you’re going be moving from trench to trench. If one of your mates is wounded, you must keep fighting through; others will treat him. It is vital that you win the firefight; that is the way you will help your mates. Try to remember all the things you’ve been taught in training. There’s going to be things happening that you have never experienced before: live rounds will be coming at you, explosions, there will be chaos and confusion, but I know you will do well.
‘There is the chance that some of you standing here will not be coming back. If any of you are religious, this is the time to sit down and have a word with “the man upstairs”. I will be shortly having a quiet moment and saying a little prayer, as tonight we are all in the same boat.’
I was as nervous as them, I had never done anything like this before. Shortly after, I spoke to personal friends, among them LCpl Doc Murdoch. We shook hands and wished each other good luck.
Pte Dave Roe, 18 yrs – 2 Section, 6 Platoon
I remember when CSM John Weeks spoke to the company and said, ‘For those of you that believe in the man upstairs, now is the time to have a few words.’ It really brought home the reality of things.
LCpl Colin Edwards, 24 yrs – 2 Section, 5 Platoon
I stood there listening, and I thought, ‘Although Johnny Weeks means well, he’s probably terrifying the younger soldiers.’
Pte Grant Grinham, 19 yrs – 2 Section, 5 Platoon
I’d had a good think after CSM Weeks had spoken to the company. I ran through the possible outcomes in my head, and it seemed pretty straightforward; I had three options. I would survive unscathed, and in this case, there was no problem. I would be killed, in which case it was now too late for me to worry about it, although my parents would be upset. I decided they’d come to terms with it eventually, so that would be okay. The last possibility was I would be injured, but again if I survived that was okay too. These three possibilities all seemed okay to me, and it really cleared my head to do whatever was needed later.
I went and found my mate, Harry Harrison in 4 Platoon. I’d known Harry since we were kids and had been in the army cadets together. I’d never imagined back then that we’d find ourselves about to go into battle together, fighting in the same company. I had a few words with Harry; I wished him luck and after that I made my way back to start cooking a last meal before we set off. I asked Cpl McLaughlin what he wanted but he told me not to eat anything in case I got injured during the battle and needed to have an operation.
B Company moves out.
On 11 June 1982 at 17.00hrs (zt), B Company leave their company location; the order of march is 6 Platoon leading, followed by 5 Platoon, then Company HQ, followed by 4 Platoon. The battalion assembly area is at A Company’s location and is a four-kilometre march; they will rendezvous there at about 20.00hrs (zt) and later, at approximately 20.30hrs (zt), just after last light, they start a two-kilometre march to the Murrell River, where the entire battalion will cross; once across they then march a further three kilometres to grid 304763. It is here that they realize that they will have to divert from their intended route of march, due to time delays caused by the river crossing and also because some of 5 and 6 Platoons have lost their way for a short while due to a navigation error. They now take a direct line to their Start Line at grid 304763. The Start Line will be indicated by white mine tape that has been marked by elements of D Company 3 PARA.
THE BATTLE
CHAPTER ONE
‘CORDITE, BLOOD, SWEAT AND DEATH’
B COMPANY 6 PLATOON
1.1 ‘Right, guys, let’s fucking go!’
FRIDAY 11 JUNE 1982
23.59hrs (zt): from C/S 29 to C/S 9: ‘Now at Slim Rag.’
B Company realize that they will have to divert from their intended route of march. One of the platoons has accidentally tagged on to Support Company plus there are time delays crossing the Murrell River. They now take a more direct route to their Start Line at Grid 304763.
Cpl Jimmy Morham, 25 yrs – Anti-Tank Platoon attached to B Company
I commanded a Fire Support Section consisting of me, Pte Stewart Laing and Pte Charlie Hardwick, with their 84mm Carl Gustav; also with us was Cpl Ronnie Cooper, who was a Mortar Fire Controller and Pte Mark Dodsworth, who was a medic. We were attached to 6 Platoon HQ, to be used as required by Lt Shaw for the attack on Mount Longdon. I was carrying nothing but the essentials as we were carrying huge amounts of ammunition. [Also Pte David Furnival and Pte Tony Stott.]
B Company reach their allocated position on the Start Line approximately 20 minutes late. The order to fix bayonets is passed along the company line.
Cpl Jerry Phillips, 22 yrs – D Company Guide
The atmosphere on the Start Line was quite tense. Everyone was deep in thought about the forthcoming attack. It was a bitterly cold night as it was now the height of winter. I remember when the order was given to ‘Fix bayonets’. It was a bit unnerving, when you know this is the real thing.
Sapper Sam Robson, 29 yrs – 9 Sqn RE attached to 6 Platoon
When I heard the order to fix bayonets, I thought, ‘Fucking hell; this is it!’
SATURDAY 12 JUNE 1982
Major Mike Argue contacts the CO, Hew Pike, telling him that B Company have started their advance:
00.24hrs (zt): from C/S 29 to C/S 9: ‘Now at Jungle Boot and moving forward.’
00.30hrs (zt): from C/S 29 to C/S 9: ‘Now across Jungle Boot.’
Almost immediately the CO orders A Company to move to their form-up area north of Wing Forward:
00.30hrs (zt): from C/S 9 to C/S 19: ‘Call sign 1 move now.’
Pte Dave Roe
The tussock grass was covered in frost and you could see your own breath. As we moved out, I remember it was nearly a full moon, and I felt we were quite exposed.
Pte Morgan Slade, 20 yrs – Anti-Tank Platoon attached to B Company
I was very apprehensive, but our guides had done numerous reconnaissance patrols of Mount Longdon. LCpl Doc Murdoch gave us the order to move and led us off in single file at quite a slow tactical patrol pace.
Cpl Trev Wilson, 25 yrs – 3 Section, 6 Platoon
‘Right lads,’ I whispered to my section, ‘let’s keep it together and let’s do what we’ve come here to do.’
Lt Jonathan Shaw, 24 yrs – Commanding Officer, 6 Platoon
My platoon objective was to capture Fly Half. We made our way cautiously towards the main western slope of Mount Longdon. We were led by our D Company guides, Cpl Phillips and LCpl Wright, plus a member of 9 Squadron RE, Sapper Robson, whose job it would be to tackle any obstacles or booby traps.
